Frugal Friday [ 09/11/18 ]

Happy Friday! I’m a bit of a grump monster, being on week 4 of the flu and having had a few extra migraines and stoma problems thrown in for good luck lately. I’m playing catch-up today on emails and blog bits, so I’d also share a few Frugal Friday goodies! Wishing you all a lovely, restful weekend, whatever you’re up to!

Free NHS Health Check (age 40-74)

This is a bit of an odd one, because you’d hope that you could go to the doctor for a health check without needing to be ‘eligible’ for one. However, this is an all-rounder to cover the bases in terms of checking things like BP & cholesterol. Worth keeping it in mind if you’re within this age range and would like to know your results if you don’t already. You can find out more on the NHS website.

Mr Men Portrait

Heathrow have an online tool where you can make your own Mr Men portrait! You just put names in and it’ll add them to a ‘portrait’ of little characters with the family name at the top, which you can then download. I thought it was pretty cute. You could do one for someone else and email it to them, or use it as a screensaver. If you need a little inspiration, Jo used these a few years ago to print them and make them into Christmas cards, which you can see here 🙂

Book Bargains

The Book Depository is like a glorious leather-bound heaven for readers, with an extensive range & free worldwide delivery. I noticed they have a few cool things on offer at the moment, for instance :

Winter Warmers – Home Insulation

If you’re in the UK, the government’s Affordable Warmth Obligation scheme means your energy supplier should be able to help you keep your home warm. Sadly, they won’t reduce the cost of bills anytime soon! But, it’s worth seeing what help is available. While the Govn’t scheme seems to refer mostly to those in receipt of benefits of some kind, it seems that it’s still worth talking to your supplier, especially if you’re on a low income or have other special considerations they should take into account. Help may include the likes of loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, maybe even a new boiler. There’s lots of comments on the HotUKDeals thread for this to learn a little more about it, too.

Black Friday Is Back

It’s coming around again… 16th November UK & 23rd November US. But deals are already kicking off. I think for many Black Friday has been disappointing in more recent years, but I did manage a few small things I’d had on my list last year on Amazon. The deals in the run-up to Black Friday are, I think, often better than on the day itself, so it’s a good excuse for some window shopping.

Want to get Amazon Prime in time for the deals? In the UK, you can now do it on a month-by-month basis, which is so much more appealing. This is what I’m doing this month to cover Black Friday and Christmas shopping. As I still don’t want to think about the C word, unlimited next day delivery without a minimum spend could come in handy for last minute shopping in December! Also, at £7.99 a month, it’s not too far of Netflix, so I’ll swap that for Prime Video to catch up on some new shows and Prime Original films. You can get Prime here.

In the US? You can also get Prime on a month-by-month basis at $12.99, just cancel whenever you’re ready. You can find out more here.

Mental Health & Debt – Free Guide

As per the MoneySavingExpert website, “this is a free 44-page PDF booklet supported by Mind, Rethink, CAPUK and others, for people with mental health problems and those caring for them. It covers how to handle debts when unwell, work with banks, free debt counselling, specific tips for bipolar disorder or depression sufferers, whether to declare a condition and more.” You can download the PFD here.

Hahah I’m behind on my to-read & to-watch list so I know the problems with temptation & needing to resist! And thank you very much, I’m glad you like the blog layout, that makes me feel a bit better; I never seem to be happy with it, yet I’m not quite sure how to change it to make it clearer and more contemporary. Have a lovely end to your week, maybe on the weekend you can catch up on a little of your reading list 😉
xx

Thank you for the kind wishes, Terri. May you stay flu-free forever, it really is miserable.
I’m sure it is you keeping them in business, and for that I’m glad because I do like Amazon too! Glad you liked Frugal Friday, and thank you for the great comment. I hope you have a warm, peaceful weekend 🙂
Caz xx

Hacn’t heard of Mr Men — I took a look & they’re so cute! Tx for the heads up. Hope you’re feeling better soon. I had a headach that lasted 3 weeks – chiropractic helped. For whatever it’s worth, have you tried it? I started by having adjustments at a chiropractic school, where students with teacher supervision practiced on me. Sometimes being in bed a lot can tweat little neck bones & back bones out of place & make one headachy.

Well, if nothing else I have achieved something great with that post – introducing you to the Mr Men! They are cute, they’re still very popular in the UK 🙂 I’m sorry you dealt with such a nightmare of a headache, but I’m glad you found something to help. I’d not really considered a chiropractor, but I often thing I could use a massage because of how painful my neck and shoulders get. I’ve still never had one because I feel it a waste to spend the money on myself for something like this.. maybe I could get one as a gift to myself soon… You’re absolutely right though with how lying down, even how you have your pillows, can cause a lot of issues with alignment and tension and such. Thanks so much for sharing – I hope you’re having a good week 🙂
xx

Caz, I’m in awe of your ability to write despite everything you are enduring health wise. Of course you are a grump. Who wouldn’t be given what you are dealing with right now. Go easier on yourself, if you can. I know this is a challenge in itself. Hugs, W

Thank you lovely, that’s very kind of you. It’s been getting frustrating losing so much time where I’m wiped out and falling behind on getting anything done. I hope you’re well and doing okay this week… ♥

Anyone would be grumpy after putting up with the flu for that long – hope you knock it on the head soon, Caz. I’ve just had so much fun playing about with that Heathrow Mr Men Portrait! This Is Going To Hurt is a cracking book – I read it earlier this year, and loved it. It’s side-splittingly funny, but it also exposes the challenges the NHS faces, and how underappreciated some of its staff are. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it 🙂

Heheh glad you liked the Mr Men portrait, it’s pretty cute! And thanks for the kind wishes, just can’t believe how long the flu’s lasted and how much it’s knocked me for six. I hope you stay flu-free Rosie! Ooo I’m glad you’ve read that book; I’ve added it to my to-read list as it’s getting great feedback and it does sound like a brilliant read, so it’s great you liked it so much! Have a lovely rest of your week 🙂

Yeah, it’s totally wiping me out and has made me more than a little grumpy now as it’s going on for so long. I didn’t know I could feel quite this rough! Just annoying that days go by and I fall behind on so many things. Thanks for your kind wishes ♥ I hope you’re doing okay and that the week is going well for you so far! =]

Hahaaa… Caz, that was a lot of fun. I popped along to Tea & Cake for the Soul; made and downloaded a Chrissy Card! 🙂
Four weeks is a long time – Here’s hoping you’re on the tail end of this nasty flu..
xoxoxo

Yay, I’m glad you liked the Mr Men freebie, they’re so cute! 🙂
Thank you for the kind wishes. I’m pretty fed up of the flu now, can’t believe it’s made me feel quite so rough. I think it needs to be given a swift eviction notice because it’s outstayed it’s welcome!
I hope you’re doing well Carolyn and having a lovely weekend xx